Method for decontamination of objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for decontamination of objects such as art and cultural objects and work materials, in order to remove undesired, particularly to remove toxic, substances contained in the object, wherein a temperature above ambient temperature is created and/or a lower or higher pressure than ambient pressure is created, in a treatment chamber surrounding the objects.

1 . A method for decontamination of objects such as art and cultural objects and work materials, in order to remove undesired contaminants contained therein,
 characterized in that   a treatment chamber surrounds the object or objects,   a higher-than-ambient temperature is applied and/or   relative to ambient pressure, a lower or higher pressure is applied in the chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , characterized in that
 the higher temperature is elevated about 25 to 90 degrees.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , characterized in that
 the lower pressure is 100 to 900 mbar lower than ambient.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , characterized in that the lower pressure is fluctuatingly applied, and is interrupted by normal-pressure or high-pressure phases. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the elevation in pressure is 
       in the range of 1 to 20 bar, preferably in the range of 2-9 bar. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that
 within the treatment chamber, a predetermined relative humidity in the range 30 to 80% is applied to the object or objects.   
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 ,
 characterized in that   during the underpressure, normal pressure and overpressure phases, the relative air humidity is kept constant by direct humidification by spraying and/or by indirect humidification and dehumidification using moisture-absorbing salts and gels.   
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 ,
 characterized in that   during the underpressure, normal-pressure and overpressure phases, the absolute humidity, both in the treatment chamber and in the object(s), fluctuates and results in material agitation, going into solution and mobilization of the undesired contaminants.   
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 ,
 characterized in that   an underpressure is applied on or within the object, while the object is located in an autoclave with elevated pressure, so that a continuous airflow occurs through the substrate in one direction.   
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 ,
 characterized in that   an overpressure is applied on or within the object, while the object is located in an autoclave with diminished pressure, so that a continuous airflow occurs through the substrate in one direction.   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 ,
 characterized in that   an absorber and/or an adsorber is provided in the treatment chamber, enabling capture of the undesired contaminants emitted from the object(s).   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 ,
 characterized in that   the absorber and/or adsorber material comprises activated charcoal.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that
 the treatment chamber is hermetically sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 1 , 
       characterized in that
 the treatment chamber is an autoclave. 
 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 1 , 
       characterized in that
 the applied air of the treatment chamber is regularly, particularly continuously or discontinuously, withdrawn via a circulation system and purified through filters. 
 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 1 ,
 characterized in that   the air within the treatment chamber is circulated during the treatment.   
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 1 ,
 further comprising   prior to, during, or after treatment,   the step of measuring at least one of   values of the air within the treatment chamber   values of exhaust air and   values of the object(s),   
       particularly a decontamination value of the object(s) and/or of the absorber- and/or adsorber material. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 ,
 characterized in that   the method is automatically regulated, in accordance with the values measured.   
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 ,
 characterized in that   duration of treatment is adjusted according to the values measured.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 6 ,
 wherein said relative humidity is in the range 35% to 75%.